MARLBOROUGH - Harry E. Welton, 89, of Marlborough died Friday, March 2, 2012 at Kindred Transitional Rehabilitation Center after a long illness. He was the husband of Dorothy L. (Foster) Welton, who died in 2009. Harry was born, raised and educated in Marlborough, the son of the late William W. and Cora W. (Clement) Welton, and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.  Following an honorable discharge he worked for New England Telephone as a line repairman for 50 years.  He enjoyed a cup of coffee and conversation at The Diner on Lincoln Street where he met his friends to discuss the news of the day - and did this daily for decades. Harry loved football, gardening and farming. He believed that you worked very hard in life and took care of your family, and if you didn't, you weren't worth a damn. He loved spending time at the camp he built at Washington, N.H. on Highland Lake.   He leaves two sons, Corey Thompson of Boston, Wayne Welton and his wife, Annette, of Oxford and three daughters, Martha M. Moran and her husband, Donald, of Dayville, Conn. and Patricia K. Russell of Webster and Jane Wright of Augusta, GA who died in 2004; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces. He was the brother of the late Walter and William Welton and Carolyn Browning.

Burial in Maplewood Cemetery with Military Honors will be private.  Calling hours will be held Monday, March 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home ( www.CollinsFuneral.com ), 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough.  All are invited to sign Harry's online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com .